Early Stage Research

Focus Groups are often used early in the discovery process. Focus Groups are research tools that provide lawyers with the opportunity to meet with surrogate jurors in a conference room setting. Lawyers present both sides of their case to the jurors in a story-like opening statement style. Jurors are then read instructions on the law and given a verdict form. The jury then deliberates the case and the deliberations are monitored on closed-circuit television. After the deliberation BSC moderates a question and answer session designed to scrutinize the jurors decision making process.

A Focus Group benefits include:

• Uncovering relevant case issues
• Determine what jurors do and do not understand about the case.
• Test reaction to opening and closing statements
• Test jurors reaction to demonstrative evidence.